STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - October 19, 2021. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) announces today that the portfolio company Umecrine Cognition has entered a collaboration with Professor Trevor G Smart and his research group at University College London. The collaboration will involve molecular analysis and behavioral studies of Umecrine Cognition's most advanced drug candidate, golexanolone.
Umecrine Cognition's drug candidate golexanolone is currently in Phase 2 clinical development as a new treatment for hepatic encephalitis (liver coma). The compound represents an innovative class of drugs that interact with the GABAA receptor in order to balance central nervous system activity and thereby counteract severe disease symptoms. The collaboration with Professor Smart's research group represents a strategic step in the development of golexanolone.
Using state-of-the-art research techniques in structural biology, synaptic physiology and established behavioural models, Professor Smart and his group study the effects of neurosteroids on the GABAA receptor and how these interactions influence behaviour. The collaboration will include studies to evaluate the interaction of golexanolone and other neurosteroids with the target receptor, and how such interactions affect neuronal signalling with relevance to medical treatment of certain diseases.
"Umecrine Cognition's newly established collaboration with the internationally renowned research group at University College London has the potential to generate further valuable knowledge to support the continued development of both golexanolone and the company's next generation of drug candidates," says Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB in a comment.
Karolinska Development's ownership interest in Umecrine Cognition amounts to 70%.
For further information, please contact:
Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com
Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com
TO THE EDITORS
About Karolinska Development AB
Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients' lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.
Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.
Karolinska Development has a portfolio of ten companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.
The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.
For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com.
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